Farm-to-consumer project connects Ilocos, QC

LAOAG CITY: Starting January next year, Ilocos farmers and manufacturers will be able to sell their products directly to consumers in Quezon City through the producer-to-consumer project.

The program, which will kick off January 26-27, 2017 at the Quezon City Hall, is a partnership between the Provincial Government of Ilocos Norte (PGIN) and the city government.

Aside from providing marketing support to Ilocos farmers and producers, the project will also be an avenue to offer the urban market direct access to more affordable and quality products.

Ilocos Norte is known for its rice, garlic, onion, tobacco, and vinegar, among other products.

Since there will be no need for middlemen in the transaction, the project will ensure lower prices for consumers and higher profit for the farmers.

According to Edison Natividad of the Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Office of Ilocos Norte, the project will be held monthly.

The provincial government will shoulder the transportation of the products. For those who will not able to go to Manila, PGIN will buy their products and take charge of the marketing.

Representatives from SME Office, Public Employment Service Office, Special Projects and Development Office and Agriculture Office of Ilocos Norte will monitor the operation of the program.

Natividad added that aside from fruits and vegetables, all products from Ilocos Norte would be showcased.
Since 2015, Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos has expressed her interest in partnering with Quezon City for the project in order to generate opportunities for local farmers.

Governor Marcos and Mayor Herbert Bautista agreed that the producer-to-consumer project would further boost economic sectors in both Ilocos Norte and Quezon City.